PLEASE NOTE: This VYSA mailing is being sent to each members’ Chief Executive Officer presently on file at the State Office unless another individual has been designated to the State Administrator, Julie Caramanica. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH INDIVIDUAL RECEIVING THIS MAILING TO DISTRIBUTE TO ALL APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OF THEIR CLUB OR LEAGUE

REGULAR MEETING - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
October 23, 2013

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association, Inc., was called to order by President Denise Edwards at the Courtyard Marriott Richmond West at 7:40 pm. Board members present were:

Denise Edwards

President

Bob Maynes

Vice President

Debi Honaker

Secretary

Jim Bonfils

Treasurer

Ken Bass

North Recreational Commissioner

Sharon Wells

North Recreational Commissioner

Tom Gross

DC Recreational Commissioner

John Singleton

West Recreational Commissioner

Oliver Weiss

#1 VCCL Travel Commissioner

Anne Thompson

#2 WAGS Travel Commissioner

Chris Friant

#3 VSLI Travel Commissioner

Bill Mueller

#4 SOCA Skyline Travel Commissioner

Karen Klumpp

#5 ODSL Travel Commissioner

Richard Smith

#6 NCSL Travel Commissioner

Board Member Bob Sokolinsky was excused. Also present was Julie Caramanica (VYSA Administrator).

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS BOARD MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the September 18, 2013, minutes. The minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Jim Bonfils reported that there is report as the auditors have been working at the State Office all week. There will be a report at next month’s meeting. The audit is a bit complicated this year due to the change in the chart of accounts.

State Office employees have been given a choice of two health insurance plans for the coming year. We are using a different broker and are no longer working through Paychex for the insurance. The cost to employees is lower for dependent care, and maintains the same level of coverage without a cost increase to the employees.

STATE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
The State Administrator’s Report (Attachment A) was distributed. Julie Caramanica reported that Fall registration fees and data were due October 1st. Clubs which still owe fees or data will be contacted individually next week.

The Nationwide Insurance agreement is going well. VYSA’s stipend has doubled since we began working with them in 2011.

The State Office has recently received several serious complaints. Many are club issues and must be turned back to the clubs. The VYSA insurance company has been notified of a few of the complaints. Julie noted that Convention sessions on recognizing signs of child abuse and what to do if child abuse is discovered are planned.

Proposed by-law amendments for US Soccer must be submitted by November 1, 2013.

Several communications have been received by those appreciative of the changes to the online travel registration program.

Some sessions have been planned for the 2014 VYSA Convention. Ideas for sessions and speakers are welcome. Julie has asked individuals in different parts of the state to help spread the word about the Convention, as personal contact is more effective in generating interest than sending emails.

A suggestion was made to allow discounts for tables at the Awards Reception for teams of coaches who are receiving awards. There was also a suggestion to recognize teams who participated in the National Championships. Unfortunately, if we subsidize too many guests, it becomes a financial burden to the Association. It was agreed that while we wish we could offer a discount to these groups, we just unable to so.

SOCCER ACROSS AMERICA REPORT
Denise reported that she had talked with Marcelo Gangotena about a club that is trying to raise funds for players who have been unable to pay for their uniforms and registration. He asked that the club be allowed to use VYSA’s donation letter to solicit funds from local businesses. The Board agreed that the club needs to have its own Board take care of the matter.

TOPSOCCER REPORT
Sharon Wells reported that she and Bob Sokolinsky attended the Region I Meeting. The Region I TOPSoccer chair has moved up to the National Chair. Sharon is conducting a survey of all TOPSoccer programs in VYSA and is planning to hold a TOPSoccer course at the VYSA Convention.

STATE CUP AND PRESIDENTS CUP REPORTS
Anne Thompson reported that the State Cup and Presidents Cup semi finals and finals are this coming weekend. Since this is a schedule change from the original Presidents Cup finals date, Anne needed a volunteer to help her at one of the sites. She asked Lisa Wilson to attend the Presidents Cup finals, who agreed to help. Anne noted that Lisa is always a willing volunteer and available to help when asked.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT - GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Bob Maynes reported that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new complex is being held the next day. Attending will be Spotsylvania County officials, who have been very supportive of the fields and understand how much they will benefit the county, along with VYSA staff, field contractors and staff, the land developers. The family which donated the land, bank representatives, and FASA members will also be present.

Bob noted the timeline for sitework at the complex: March - lights are expected to be in; April/May - turf installation will be completed; June - sprigging will begin. Depending on the growing season, the fields could be ready for play next Fall. A full schedule of events is planned for Spring, 2015. An article about our turf consultant was in the Potomac Soccer Wire. He plans to use a new strain of grass that dramatically increases usage on wet fields.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Denise Edwards reported that she had applied to the US Soccer Foundation for grants for lighting and turf fields at the complex and should have a response in January.

Denise reported the new Coaching Education on-line system is ready for testing and hopes to have it completed soon.

Denise reported on the Region I meeting. Bob Palmeiro put together a task force of several states to come up with a vision for the Region. The report was presented to State Presidents and Executive Directors. The response was very positive and she feels that progress was made with other Regions. Denise suggested to the National Office that a fund be set up to be available to help State Associations when needed, rather than absorbing Region funds.

US Youth Soccer is working on procuring new sponsors. Nike may be the new equipment sponsor.

Denise is in favor of an expansion of the National League. Anne is in favor that Region I also expand the Premier League.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Debi Honaker reported that she had received two applications for membership. She recommended approval of both. A motion was made and seconded that the Hurricane Football Club/Elkton Community Parks and Rec Commission be approved for membership contingent upon the receipt of Rules of Play. The motion was approved. A motion was made and seconded that the Halifax Soccer Club be approved for membership. The motion was approved.

GOOD OF THE GAME
Denise reported that Lisa Wilson was at the Region I Meeting and was very appreciative of the support she and her husband, Kevin have received from VYSA.

Denise thanked those who are planning tomorrow’s groundbreaking ceremony.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Prepared by
Julie Caramanica
VYSA Administrator

Next Board Meeting is Wednesday, November 20, 2013,
at the Courtyard Marriott Richmond West.